Portraits of Grace

John MacArthur: This is John MacArthur. Join me for today's Portraits of Grace. King Nebuchadnezzar was a brilliant, powerful man who literally erupts the world of his day. Yet when three young men refused to compromise their devotion to God, he lost all rational control and flew into an intense rage. Before he threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fiery furnace, he actually turned it up seven times hotter than usual. You might have expected him to turn the fire down to prolong their pain, but he was reacting emotionally, not logically. The opposition you face today may be more subtle, but it has its source in those who hate the true God.

So don't be surprised if subtle opposition suddenly erupts into fury. But be encouraged knowing that even when it does, it can never hinder God's plan or overcome his sustaining grace and God will protect you just like he protected those three Jewish boys. Pray for the boldness to be a real portrait of grace.